ESC uses anti-lock braking and traction control to reduce the danger of skidding. The system uses sensors to detect loss of control and automatically applies the brake to the relevant wheel to keep your vehicle on the intended path.

Emergency brake assist

A system that detects fast brake application by the driver. In response, it provides emergency braking assistance by automatically increasing the force being applied to the brakes (up to the maximum available). This is also known as a Brake Assist System (BAS).

This is a valuable technology that can reduce a vehicles stopping distance in emergency situations.

Autonomous emergency braking

Detects distance and closing speeds of objects in the vehicles path. It automatically decelerates if the driver doesn't heed the warning.

Many crashes are caused by late braking and/or braking with insufficient force. A driver may brake too late for several reasons, e.g. they are distracted or inattentive; visibility is poor or a situation may be difficult to predict because the driver ahead is braking unexpectedly. Most people are not used to dealing with such critical situations and do not apply enough braking force to avoid a crash.

Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)

A system that distributes braking forces to optimise the amount of road friction available.

Roll stability system

A system that detects imminent rollover and initiates corrective (avoidance) action.

This is a function of an enhanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system that has both directional control and roll-over control. Roll-over control means a function within the ESC system reacts to an impending roll-over in order to stabilise the vehicle.

It acts by constantly monitoring the vehicle's behaviour. If it detects an increased propensity of rollover during extreme handling manoeuvres, it induces additional understeer into the vehicle. As part of its control actions, it brakes individual wheels and reduces the driving torque. This reduces the risk of a rollover as well as reduces vehicle speed for greater stability.

Trailer stability control

This system ensures superior stability and safety when towing. With increasing speed, trailers tend to swing from side to side and may even swing out of control. This is the case for heavier trailer loads or if the weight of the trailer load is not distributed evenly; even at relatively low speeds, a swaying motion can arise. This can destabilise both the trailer and the towing vehicle, unless a stabilising measure quickly intervenes.

The trailer stability control system recognises the early signs of this dangerous swinging motion. It activates the brakes immediately to slow the trailer down and return stability. It recognises the danger by constantly monitoring the rotation movement of the vehicle using special sensors. If these values exceed the safe limit, trailer stability control activates the brakes. At the same time, engine output is reduced. The resulting drop in speed brings the trailer back to stability. As soon as stability is restored, the driver is again in full control of the vehicle's speed.

A system that prevents individual wheels from lock up during heavy braking (or on slippery surfaces). This subsequently helps the driver to maintain control. Learn more

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

A system that detects the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle and maintains an appropriate following distance.

Tyre pressure monitoring

This detects when a tyre has dropped below the designated pressure and alerts the driver.

Hill launch assist

This system uses the car's braking system and is engaged when the car is stationary to prevent it from rolling.

It's effective on both uphill and downhill gradients. It also provides a delay when the driver moves their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal, as the system maintains pressure to the braking system. This feature removes the need for the driver to go through the awkward sequence of events involved in a hill start (using the handbrake to hold the car momentarily whilst on a hill). Once sufficient engine torque is reached, Hill Launch Assist automatically releases the brake system in a controlled manner.

Rollover warning

A system that alerts the driver when lateral forces or vehicle dynamics indicate a risk of rollover.

Traction control

A system that detects potential wheel spin due to excessive driving torque. If this is detected, it limits the torque.